On Wednesday, costumed kids will again take to the streets to collect their bounty of candy.

Whether you’re a parent supervising your child’s trick-or-treating fun, a child out to fill his rucksack with the night’s spoils, or a driver on your way home from the office after a hard day’s work, it seems prudent to stress how important it is to be careful.

According to statistics released by auto insurance company State Farm, Halloween has been the “deadliest day” of the year with respect to car accidents involving kids. Over a period of 21 years, an average of 5.5 children have died in accidents on Halloween.

While increased foot traffic on normally quiet roads is bound to equal a greater risk of accidents, it doesn’t have to result in tragedy.

Many children will want to go out in costumes made of black or dark fabrics. Vampires, zombies, and even Harry Potter costumes feature colours that are tough to spot, especially as the darkness settles in.

But parents can be smart and spend a little bit more money for your child’s safety. Buy glow sticks, flashlights, or a brightly coloured hat to help your kid stand out while they are trick-or-treating. Better yet, buy all three. Make sure your younger children have an adult with them to guide them and keep them safe. Check the candy in their bags to make sure it’s safe.

Kids, you can be smart, too. Look both ways before you cross a street, try not to charge from door to door — especially if you have a long costume that stretches down to your feet, and listen to what your parents (or the adult taking care of you) tell you.

And drivers, though it should go without saying, you must stay alert. Keep your eyes on the road, stay focused while you’re behind the wheel, and be ready to hit the brakes.

Together, the parents, children and drivers of Moose Jaw can contribute to make this an accident-free, happy Halloween for everybody. Wouldn’t that be a real treat?